When using essential oils during the summer, it’s crucial to be aware of photosensitive oils, which can cause skin irritation or burning when exposed to sunlight or UV rays. Some common photosensitive essential oils include bergamot, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and bitter orange. To use these oils safely, always dilute them properly with a carrier oil, such as coconut, jojoba, or almond oil, before applying them to the skin. It’s generally recommended to keep the dilution to 1% or less for photosensitive oils.
Moreover, it’s best to avoid applying photosensitive oils to areas of the skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight within 12-24 hours after application. If you do use these oils on exposed skin, be sure to protect yourself with clothing or a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Alternatively, you can choose to use photosensitive oils in diffusers, room sprays, or other methods that don’t involve direct skin contact. When in doubt, consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional to ensure you’re using essential oils safely and effectively during the summer months.
Key Takeaways
- Photosensitive essential oils can cause skin irritation or burning when exposed to sunlight or UV rays.
- Common photosensitive oils include bergamot, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and bitter orange.
- Always dilute photosensitive oils with a carrier oil before applying to the skin, keeping dilution to 1% or less.
- Avoid applying these oils to sun-exposed skin within 12-24 hours of sun exposure.
- Use protective clothing or broad-spectrum sunscreen if using these oils on exposed skin.
- Cold-pressed citrus oils are typically photosensitive, while steam-distilled versions are generally safe.
- Photosensitivity is caused by furanocoumarins (FC) molecules activated by UV light.
- Some oils from the Umbelliferae family (e.g., angelica root, cumin) are also photosensitive.
- Non-photosensitive alternatives for summer use include peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus.
- Always perform a patch test before using any new essential oil, even non-photosensitive ones.
- Store essential oils in dark glass bottles away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain potency.
REACTIONS TO ESSENTIAL OILS WHEN EXPOSED TO THE SUN
Although the vast majority of essential oils are safe and their use doesn’t involve any risk if you have exposure to sunlight, there are indeed notable exceptions, not only in terms of specific types of oils but also in terms of how to apply them.
When an oil reacts to ultraviolet light, this creates the release of free radicals, which can build up in cells and cause damage. Free radicals are molecules that are missing an electron and because of this, they are in search of an electron, which it takes from the body to create a balance.
When this exchange of an election happens, damage to your DNA happens. Other reactions that can occur when some essential oils are applied to the skin when exposed to the sun are skin irritations.
These skin irritations can include red, itchy, stinging, or burning feelings, and the skin can also be inflamed, leading to phototoxicity symptoms. Another issue that can happen is a permanent change in the color of the skin as well as dark spots that occur over time.
A phototoxic burn usually starts as a rash that can start between one to twenty-four hours following exposure to the sun or UV light. The rash can form a painful clump of blisters, this depends on the amount of time you are exposed to the sun or UV light, the amount of oil used as well as the dilution ratio.
ESSENCES FROM THE PEEL OF SOME CITRUS FRUITS
This photosensitivity reaction is common in the case of essences extracted from the peel of some citrus fruits, such as bergamot essential oil, bitter orange essential oil, mandarin essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, or lemon essential oil, among others.
It’s important to note that not all citrus essential oils are photosensitive. For example, steam-distilled lime essential oils and tangerine essential oils are not phototoxic. If these or other phototoxic oils are used for any reason, then the Sun and tanning beds should be avoided for the next 12 to 24 hours to prevent sun sensitivity.
What is the cause of this phototoxic response? There are two methods for extracting essential oils from their source, steam distillation, and cold press. Essential oils that are extracted through steam distillation are not photosensitive, because this method leaves behind a molecule called Furanocoumarins, also known as FC.
When these molecules are exposed to any kind of ultraviolet light, they become activated. That is why the oil obtained from the leaves of these citrus fruits does not present any photosensitizing effect, such as the Petit Grain of bitter orange, orange blossom, and lemon or mandarin leaves.
With steam distillation, the peelings of the fruit are boiled, and the steam and oil are allowed to cool and condense back into water.
The final step is to separate the oil from the water. This method was developed as far back as the Middle Ages. With cold pressing, the oils are pressed out of the fruit through mechanical separation at a cold temperature which preserves the aroma and potency of the oil. This method is the most common way to extract oils because of the ability to have more aromatic oil.
ESSENTIAL OILS OF THE UMBELLIFERAE FAMILY
The essential oils come from some species of the Umbelliferous family, which is also known as the carrot family. Examples include angelica root, lovage, biznaga, cumin, dill, or celery, which are also problematic.
NOT ALL OILS ARE THE SAME
Some oils that can cause a phototoxic response can be heavily diluted with carrier oil, such as sunflower seed oil, fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil, to reduce the risk of photosensitivity reactions.
Remember that if an oil has been extracted through steam distillation, then the oil is safe because of the lack of FCs.
| Essential Oil | Deluition Percentage | Drops per 50ml Of Carrier Oil |
| Tagetes | 0.05% | Half a drop |
| Bergamot | 0.4% | 4 Drops |
| Lemon | 2% | 20 Drops |
| Lime | 0.7% | 7 Drops |
| Grapefruit | 2.5% | 25 Drops |
| Orange Bitter | 1.4% | 14 Drops |
| Angelica Root | 0.78% | 7 Drops |
| Cumin | 0.4% | 4 Drops |
Please note that the dilution percentages and the number of drops per 50 ml of carrier oil mentioned in the table are general guidelines. It’s always best to consult a certified aromatherapist or a reliable resource for specific diluting essential oils ratios based on individual needs and skin sensitivity.
MANY AROMATHERAPY OPTIONS TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF IN THE SUMMER
For sunny days, there are a wide variety of fragrant and refreshing safe essential oils for summer that we can continue to use while practicing aromatherapy safety. These oils can be used for headaches, muscle aches, cramps, or simply to obtain a pleasant relaxing effect.
- Peppermint
- Ginger
- Rosemary
- Eucalyptus
- Jasmine
- Marjoram
- Vetiver
- Lavender
- Roman sage
Here is an effective mixture of oils to relax you and relieve headaches caused by nervous tension or stress. Mix well and apply to temples, forehead, neck, and shoulders with a gentle but vigorous massage.
- 4 to 6 drops of lavender oil
- 4 to 6 drops of marjoram oil
- 4 to 6 drops of peppermint oil
- 25 ml of base oil, such as sunflower oil
PATCH TESTING AND STORAGE
Before using any new essential oil, even if it’s not known to be photosensitive, it’s crucial to conduct a patch test to check for any potential allergic reactions or skin sensitivities. Apply a small amount of the diluted essential oil to a small area of the skin and wait for 24 hours to observe any adverse reactions.
To maintain the potency and prevent degradation of your essential oils, store them in dark glass bottles away from direct sunlight and heat.
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